Synthesis of a new microbial secondary metabolite: anti-Helicobacter pylori CJ-13,015

A six-step, first synthesis of an anti-Helicobacter pylori secondary metabolite, CJ-13,015 (1a), in 65% overall yield, is described, starting from 5-methylfurfural (2), via a Wittig reaction of the ylide generated in situ from (8-hydroxyoctyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide, selective reduction of the newly formed carbon–carbon double bond, conversion of the alcohol to a halide, coupling with the anion of 3,5-dimethoxyphthalide and a chemoselective conversion of the protective furan group to a 1,4-dicarbonyl system as a key reaction.